Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Forest Oaks, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair keeps a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. Hair collected from the scalp area can offer a detection timeframe of as much as three months for alcohol and drugs. The procedure for collecting hair is uncomplicated, not easily manipulated, and convenient for transport.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For evaluating EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. We advocate utilizing a jeweler's scale to measure the sample. Should scalp hair not be an option, the same mass of body hair is a viable substitute. In the context of head hair, we solely refer to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair categories (facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process for analyzing a drug test outcome consists of four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning concerns the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves confirming that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary assessment for potential drug misuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive screen requires further confirmation for legal validity. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate additional verification.

For samples showing presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further processing in Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which positions hair drug screening as a particularly challenging method to execute.

Verifying any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to verification as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests capture drug usage for as long as 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection time.
• Resistance to tampering: Hair drug tests are challenging to deceive, thereby ensuring more reliable results.
• Tracks usage history: It showcases a timeline of drug utilization over time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Detection in hair occurs roughly 5-7 days post-drug usage.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Despite being commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," these assessments evaluate the hair shaft, not the hair follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Forest Oaks, NC, hair follicle testing surpasses urine analysis by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability.
The prolonged detection window gives employers detailed insights into substance use over time.

The robust nature of hair sampling makes it nearly impossible to tamper with, securing accurate results that reflect genuine usage patterns.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Forest Oaks, NC, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days.
This gives employers a clear picture of an individual’s substance history, allowing for informed decision-making.

The extensive timeframe ensures a thorough view of past substance use behaviors, useful for screenings or ongoing evaluations within the workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Forest Oaks, NC, trusts hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant qualities.
This testing method significantly reduces the risks associated with sample adulteration.

The robust collection and analysis process ensures unquestionable outcomes—essential for compliance and safety in various sectors.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With a vast network, Forest Oaks, NC benefits from convenient nationwide testing.
Our centers offer easy access to hair follicle testing services, ensuring hassle-free experiences.

Local locations provide seamless access to services requiring minimal travel time or effort.

• Comprehensive testing centers ensure that testing is accessible, efficient, and streamlined.

Simple, Confidential Process

Forest Oaks, NC ensures a simple and confidential hair follicle testing process.
Ordering and securing results is designed with privacy in mind, instilling confidence in users.

Confidential handling of data reassures all parties involved, upholding discretion in all steps of testing and reporting.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Forest Oaks, NC, we pride ourselves on affordable pricing for hair follicle testing.
Competitive pricing structures ensure companies of all sizes receive high value.

This approach offers peace of mind to employers, supporting efficient and cost-effective workplace management strategies.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Forest Oaks, NC, hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed in detecting substance abuse.
Renowned for accuracy, these tests ensure rapid and dependable results, making them a preferred choice for organizations seeking reliable screening methods.

The swift and accurate detection capability of hair follicle testing provides a high level of confidence in the findings, making it an effective tool for proactive substance management.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Forest Oaks, NC, achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing.
Aligned with drug-free workplace policies, this method reduces legal risks and enhances safety.

Reliable results support employers in maintaining a drug-free environment, strengthening overall workplace security.

Drug Testing Near Forest Oaks, NC

Bellemont, NC

Sophia, NC

Florence, NC

Elon, NC

Elon College, NC

Randleman, NC

Jamestown, NC

Gibsonville, NC

Brightwood, NC

Whitsett, NC

McLeansville, NC

Sedalia, NC

Red Cross, NC

Greensboro, NC

Julian, NC

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews